Thursday, October 31, 2013

Once again the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh [RSS] has urged Hindus that more children should be produced, in order to check the demographic imbalance.

Did anyone call it fatwa or a diktat? How many TV channels found RSS joint secretary Dattatreya Hosbale's comments as controversial?

Has there been strong criticism on editorial pages in mainstream newspapers? This is not the first time that RSS leaders have said that Hindus need to produce more kids.

For them, Hindus are the 'victim'. The bogey of 'Muslim population rise' or 'Ham Panch-Hamare Pachchis' are used by RSS to portray Muslims in bad light.

Not only that the statement aims at driving wedge among religious communities, the fact is that it is truly regressive in nature.

Shouldn't RSS turn itself into a forward looking organisation?

The reason is that if RSS been a forward looking organisation, it would stop looking at things from the Hindu Vs Muslim. In that case it should have urged middle-class Indians [mostly Hindus] to stop female foeticide [and infanticide] to control the fascination for 'baby boy'.

It is this gender imbalance that is really threatening Hinduism [and India]. There are vast regions where there are less than 800 girls for 1,000 boys. Even the upper class and middle-class want the 'baby boy'. If the first child is a girl, many go for second, in the hope to have a boy.

This 'sickness' needs to be fought. Strangely, RSS leaders never tell their followers how Hinduism has been growing much faster over the last century in the world. While Islam has grown fast after 1900, overall population of Hindus in the world, has also gone up significantly, even as Christianity and other religions have now lost the pace.

As far as rise in Muslim population in India is concerned, it is not a very unusual phenomenon. The minority [Muslim] rate of growth is quite close to Dalits. Clearly, economic reasons and social backwardness are the cause behind the high birthrate.

Muslim growth rate in Kerala, Tamil Nadu much less than in UP, Bihar

In states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Muslims have a growth rate of much less than 20% per decade, which is less than the growth rate of Hindu population in India in many other states of North India.

UP and Bihar have overall bigger families. No wonder, fertility rates are higher among Muslims in these states.

Secondly, there is no open opposition to family planning among Muslims, and they have adopted it widely.

As Muslims go up on socio-economic indicators, they also tend to have smaller families, just like rest of the Indians.

As per 2001 census, the overall population grew by 21.5% in India in the previous decade. Muslim decadal population grew by a mere 13.7% in Tamil Nadu and 15.8% in Kerala [from 1991 to 2001].

These states have a higher Muslim literacy rate and here Muslims are financially better-off. In contrast, Hindu population increased by 28.7% in Punjab, 24.7% in Karnataka and 23.4% in Bihar.

How do you explain that? Now there will be critics who would say that if Muslims grew by 13.7% in Tamil Nadu in the decade, the decennial Hindu growth was just 11%.

The problem is that when the Hindu growth rate is seen, they don't take into account the growth rate of backwards and Dalits, whose population growth is comparable to Muslims.

For example, you can't expect to compare Iyers or Iyengars' decadal rise in population with Dalits or even Vanniyars. If you have to at all compare then do it with the socially upward Muslims. Else, consider Muslims also as a social group and then look at them with their growth rate.

The right comparison would be Muslim population rise vis-a-vis increase in population of social groups that have similar earning, living conditions and socio-economic backwardness.Statistics clearly reveal that Muslim population rate is falling in India and would stabilise in a few decades.

The difference of population growth rates is narrowing down fast. Far from becoming majority or even 25%, it will take centuries before they even reach the figure of 20% in India.

Perpetuating old myths: Fact is that Muslims are least polygamous in India

For decades, right-wing groups have made similar claims. Take for example, the charge of polygamy. Census clearly reveals that the practice of polygamy was highest among Adivasis, Jains, Buddhists and Hindus. Muslims came last as far as prevalence of the practice was concerned.

See LINK and LINK. This is despite the fact that polygamy is legal for Muslims and unlawful for Hindus. But this is not highlighted or even mentioned. Tell a lie a thousand times and people tend to believe it. Senior RSS and BJP leaders often make attacks on Muslims about being more polygamous.

In December 2005, the then RSS chief [sarsanghchalak] KS Sudharshan had also urged the majority community in a similar manner. He said that 3-4 children per couple would keep the 'changing religious demography' in control.

Just imagine had any other religious community [like a Muslim cleric from Nadwatul Ulema or Deoband] made such a statement, what would have happened?

There would have been wide condemnation, politicians and activists gunning for him and effigies burnt.

TV channels would have continued debates for days. But in the case of RSS, it was simply ignored even though the 'cultural organisation' has huge impact and has a cadre strength of tens of lakhs.If the RSS leaders take up real issues that affect the nation, they would be taken more seriously. It may also strike chord with the young generation. However, they remain stuck in regressive rhetoric. Sangh also needs to look at itself.Shouldn't the swayam-sevaks [volunteers] shun celibacy and marry, in order to increase the numbers of Hindus? Though its their personal issue but I wrote about it as they often find faults with Muslims. Mustn't they also take the blame? Had the RSS workers for several generations [who have been observing celibacy] married and had families, then there would have been lakhs of more Hindus.

Friday, October 25, 2013

It was realy shocking to read about Rahul Gandhi's speech and his 'revelations' regarding Muzaffarnagar riots in the political rally at Indore.

Already, other aspects about his speech have come under criticism. But I am especially amazed as it comes from the man whose party has failed to act on the recommendations of Sri Krishna Commission panel which conducted probe in one of the worst communal riots that occurred in Mumbai in 1992-93.

Congress was the ruling party in Maharashtra then. For 20 years, victims have waited for justice and successive CONGRESS governments in Maharashtra, that promise implementing the report every time before election, have not acted on the promises.

Rahul Gandhi hasn't spoken a word about the conduct of Congress-NCP led state government. It was under Congress chief minister Sudhakar Rao Nai, that two separate rounds of rioting had led to nearly 2,000 deaths in Mumbai, which was known as Bombay then.

For those who felt that Rahul wants to change things for good and is in favour of clean politics, this speech his come as a letdown. Those accused of rioting, particularly, the policemen were not prosecuted. The personel who fired at innocents were saved at every step.

Still, successive Chief Ministers from Vilas Rao Deshmukh to Prithvi Raj Chouhan haven't shown any interest in implementing the Justice Sri Krishna Report. How does Congress has the cheek to talk about riots and justice! Firstly, don't promise if it is not your intent to act.

During previous elections Congress leaders have been promising that they would do implement the report once they come to power. Accusations of framing Muslims in false cases in Maharashtra, are well-known. The state has one of the largest number of Muslims in prison. Has he ever voiced his concern about it?

Given his hold over the party, he could have got it done easily. Just a few days back, he had 'torn the bill' on convicted politicians and this ensured that Rashid Masood and Lalu Yadav have lost their Lok Sabha seats. Why don't we see such a step from him over riots? Instead, there is just hurtful rhetoric.

Secondly, the speech was objectionable, as he made a remark linking Muzaffarnagar riot victims with Pakistan. Either he doesn't understand Indian Muslims at all or he has strange people around him on whose inputs, he made this weird statement.

Martyr Firoz Khan

As an Indian Muslim, I strongly object to the community being used as a tool to settle political scores.

Intelligence guys may imagine things or even make guesses as it is part of their job. Once an intelligence officer had even made a foolish comment that he 'heard' that Muslims in Hyderabad, put up photograph of Pakistani leader in their homes.

He later accepted that he hadn't gone to any such house or seen such a photo. People can say utterly foolish things but should Rahul Gandhi use them to strengthen old stereotypes?

It was insensitive as for decades after independence, Muslims heard barbs and accusations about their being 'fifth columnists'. This had almost come to an end now. Indian Muslims can't be used by any outside power against their motherland. Any such suggestion is objectionable, howsoever, we suffer. I totally denounce the statement

I really don't understand if he is immature or plain naive to believe anything he gets to hear and then accepts it as Gospel truth. Of course, to say it publicly is also wrong. Knowingly or unknowingly he ventured into something which Indian Muslims really detest.

Barely a week ago, an Indian Muslim army-man laid down his life on the border. He had been sanctioned leave but decided to stay back because of firing at LoC, and achieved martyrdom. If you can't take the name of martyr Lance Naik Feroz Khan, then please don't talk about this imaginary possibility either.

Till a few decades back, we often heard certain members of the right-wing parties drawing these parallels but when Rahul Gandhi says something like that, then there is surely something seriously wrong with the Congress.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Dr Vizarat Rasool Khan, who passed away in his native, Hyderabad, was a leading educationist and visionary who championed the cause of education among Muslims.

The news of his death caused grief across the country, especially, among Muslim circles. In Urdu newspapers, he was termed as Sir Syed of Hyderabad.

His contribution was immense, as he dreamt big and managed to achieve the goals. Khan built 56 educational institutes that include 24 engineering colleges and two medical colleges.

He also set up the first ever women's medical college in India, apart from women's engineering college. Further, he was at the forefront for the fight to ensure that Muslims from the poor section get higher education, at a highly subsidised* rate.

A social-worker who also dabbed in politics and got elected as an MLA, his focus throughout remained on education. In fact, the achievements of the Khan's Shadan Group are remarkable. Those not familiar with the bureaucratic setup, feel that it is easy to establish colleges or institutions.

The truth is that Herculean fights and lifelong efforts were needed, as State governments don't give permissions for setting up of Minority Colleges. The files just don't move. The real issue is the indifference in bureaucracy towards any such proposal. Further, there are obstacles at every juncture.

In his interview with Shaik Ahmed Ali's Urdu news channel, INN LIVE, Khan said that he want government to facilitate setting up of educational institutes and give nod.

Once the government nod and the no-objection certificate [NOC] was there, such standards would be maintained that AICTE or MCI norms could be fulfilled. The problem is always in dealing with the slow-paced bureaucracy.

Building the dozens of colleges and a 750 bed hospital is an accomplishment in itself.

Just recently Dr Khan had come out of hospital but had to be admitted again recently.

Khan was nearly 67. He died after prolonged illness.

However, in his lifetime, Vizarath Rasool Khan has done what few manage to do.

After the Deccan College [Khan was part of the team behind it as well], his was the second minority Engineering College in Hyderabad, after parting ways with the Deccan. Since then, there was no one stopping him.

Professional colleges were set up one after the other and finally it led to medical colleges and hospital. Still, Khan was not satisfied. He was trying hard to establish an autonomous university. He felt that there was no dearth of talent among the poor but they didn't have resources.

There is need for more colleges, so that the students from unprivileged sections could get in, and there is need for financial assistance and good scholarships. Clearly, Indian Muslims need more revolutionaries in the field of education like him.

Apart from being the head of Shadan Group of Educational Institutions, he was socially active and regularly coordinated with other activists, academicians and politicians for improvement in the educational scenario in Andhra Pradesh.

Today he has left behind the modern schools, colleges for girls and boys, institutes for professional studies in law, management, B Ed, technical sciences et al. In fact, he built the largest network of educational institutions for Muslims.

Many other colleges including dental and medical colleges are awaiting government nod. He managed to achieve all this within 25 years. Amid presence of thousands of well-wishers, he was buried on the premises of Dr VRK Medical College.

Now the onus is on his sons to take the group forward and carry on the work initiated by their father. One hopes that more Indians would realise the need for spreading education and set up schools, colleges and institutes for all sections of society, including Muslims.

[*Just like SC/ST students get the fees back, the Muslim students from extremely poor families in Andhra Pradesh get partial reimbursement of the fee]

[The second women's medical college in the country and the first by government has recently been inaugurated in Haryana. The first and lone women exclusive medical college in the world was established in 1910 in London.]

Saturday, October 19, 2013

The Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP] has completed two terms as ruling party in Madhya Pradesh.

With Assembly elections round the corner, there are speculations whether the party would win the state election for the third time in succession or will the electorate choose Congress a decade.

Till a few months back, the feeling in Madhya Pradesh, was that Congress didn't have much chance. It was commonly said that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's image would help the party win the election with ease.

But with leaders now crisscrossing the state and political parties conducting their own in-house surveys, it has dawned upon the BJP that the situation is quite different. In urban centres, it was believed that Congress doesn't have a face in the State.

However, now it seems that the Congress is not only in the race, but it may be tough for the BJP to retain the power. The ruling party's ministers who were ensconced in their comfortable bungalows, had to again take the dusty routes in rural MP, when they felt that the polls are due soon.

Then, they found that the BJP is not too comfortably placed. Except CM's image of a humble man, they don't have much to speak for in terms of achievement.

While poor electricity is major issue in rural parts, other schemes haven't been implemented efficiently. Investment and jobs were promised but not much happened on the ground.

The party has now realised it, although its quite late. Worse, there is strong resentment against the MLAs and the Ministers. For this, the BJP needs to change a lot of candidates, which is also difficult. The reason is that legislators when denied the ticket, play spoilsport for the party.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan

The Congress was a divided house till recently. But with Ajay Singh [late Arjun Singh's son], Kantilal Bhuria, Kamal Nath and Digvijay Singh, putting up a joint front, and Jyotiraditya Scindia being pitted as as CM candidate, the party workers seem more confident.

Scindia does have an influence in Gwalior-Chambal region. The stampede at the Ratangarh temple has also been used by the opposition to fuel public anger against the BJP.

For the BJP, it has CM's image and his pet-schemes like 'Ladli Laxmi', which especially target women voters.

Definitely, there is huge corruption and recent scams have hit the party hard. To state BJP's credit, there have been few communal clashes. Chouhan has lot of goodwill among electorate but will he be able to counter two terms of incumbency? That's the question.

MP is a state where the third force has little presence. Once, Phool Singh Baraiya, had turned the BSP into a major force here. But Mayawati's strange decision to expel him, hit the party here. The SP has no strong base here except in areas bordering UP.

The Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) looks resurgent. But it has presence only the tribal dominated seats. Madhya Pradesh is among the states with the largest tribal population in the country. It also has a sizable Dalit populace.

Besides, the state has nearly 45-50% OBCs. But unlike UP, the politics is not caste-oriented. Chouhan, who belongs to Kirar, an OBC caste, has acceptability among almost all sections. The reason is his moderate image, which he has cultivated with effort.

Jyotiraditya Scindia

An alumnus of the historic Hamidia College in Bhopal, he has also kept promises like construction of Haj House. In Ladli Laxmi scheme, 'nikaah's are also held at state expense, just like Hindu couple's marriages.

Besides, in Senior Citizens' pilgrimage scheme also, Muslims have been included and the elderly sent free of cost, to Ajmer on a regular basis, just like Hindus are going to famous shrines across the country.

It is not that BJP here is totally secularised. In fact, RSS agenda keeps coming to fore time and again. Still, the party has kept the lumpen elements at bay.

In 2003, BJP had won with a landslide majority. There was visible public anger among citizens as Congress government had failed to even repair the roads in the State.

The roads in MP had become a joke nationwide under Digvijay Singh's regime. Uma Bharti was the first chief minister after BJP formed the government. But after a Hubli court warrant, Babulal Gaur became the CM for a short term.

Since then, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been at the helm. In 2008 election, the party won under his leadership here. Now if the BJP wins for the third time, it will also increase his stature in the BJP, as well as strengthening his kind of 'inclusive politics'.

As elections are drawing nearer, it's clear that we are all going to witness a close contest in MP.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Sachin Tendulkar's retirement was the biggest news in India. After all, in a nation of 1.2 billion, he was the cricketing god.

Across the world it was BC or AD. But from 1989 till 2013, it was Sachin Age, in India. See the front pages of all the national newspapers. Most of them splashed the news across eight columns and up to the bottom of the page.

The impact of Tendulkar on Indian masses can't be described in a short blog post. Indian cricket had come of age, long ago. Sunil Gavaskar remains a batting legend and no one can question his greatness. Still, there was a time when Indian team would do everything right but lacked the spirit that is needed to snatch victory.

Sachin Tendulkar's arrival changed it forever. From his sixes in ace spinner Abdul Qadir's over during his first tour to Pakistan, which are still remembered, Tendulkar went own to become one of the greatest batsmen the world has ever seen.

SRT didn't just accumulate runs but scored them in style and also dominated the bowling attacks across the world--for such a long period.

In fact, the amount of cricket he has played is astonishing. No wonder, the pundits put him in the league with all-time greats like WG Grace and Sir Don Bradman.

It was under his shadow that the new crop of confident cricketers appeared on the scene. Today, certain players may act arrogantly and may not give him due credit, but we know the reality.

It was seeing Sachin play, that they got inspired to play the game and later, alongside him on the pitch, learnt the game, to become heroes of the new age.

Sachin's contribution to Indian cricket is immense. So much has been written and will be written about him. Mothers wanted their sons to be like him. Despite the accolades, he remains a down to earth person.

This is a rare quality. For a quarter century, he has been a superhero in this nation, and yet success never went to his head.

Clearly, he deserves Bharat Ratna. This post is not about his cricketing exploits as enough has been written elsewhere.There are numerous other qualities that made him the hero of this nation, and we will delve into them at a later stage.

Above are front pages of Hindustan Times, Times of India, Indian Express, The Telegraph, Mail Today and Asian Age. I wish I could get The Hindu's front page also. Hindi, Urdu papers also played up the news. [See Hindustan and Urdu Times, Mumbai on the right]

In fact, it deserved this much space. English newspapers dedicated the entire cover page but in comparison, regional language dailies gave space to other news stories also on this day.

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Famous Urdu weekly newspaper Nasheman stopped publication recently. It was a sad news for Urdu readers, who were addicted to this Bangalore-based tabloid.

Under the late Usman Asad, Nasheman, had once become the largest-selling weekly Urdu newspaper in India. What I loved about this newspaper was its satire and its irreverential [no excessive respect] language towards the leaders [and politicians].

The newspaper didn't care about personalities and used harsh words for leaders without caring about their power and position. When a leader failed to deliver, the paper simply tore him apart, with its harsh words and mocking tone.

Columns like 'ThapDakhain', that had brief satirical lines on current events, was read with great interest. The masthead of Nasheman, along with founder and current editor's names, carried the Urdu couplet:

Barely a month ago, I was passing by a walled City locality, when I saw a group of persons sitting under a electricity pole close to a tea shop. One of them was reading Nasheman aloud, and all others were listening to him.

There was a mosque where I often found people sitting on the bench, reading this paper. I first started reading this paper in the late eighties. In those days, Zamzam, was the other weekly that came from Bangalore.

Those were the days when Meem Afzals' Akhbar-e-Nau, Masoom Muradabadi's Khabardar, International Jareeda Times and Blitz (Urdu) were the main weekly papers. Most of them changed layouts but for 52 years of its existence, Nasheman remained the same newspaper--black and white.

Much later, it introduced the blue colour in the background for headlines. It was accused of sensationalism at times. Tabloids are sensational generally. But it had unique style of presenting news, interesting columns and above all the editorial.

PHOTO (C) ANINDIANMUSLIM.COM

After Usman Asad's demise, his wife continued running the paper.

Had she brought an internet edition, its reach would have increased further.

I gather that she didn't want to make changes to the newspaper, and wanted to keep her just like it was during her husband's times.

Sadly, it had to be closed. Not because of lack of money but due to other reasons as told by Asad sahab's son Rizwan Asad HERE.

Wouldn't it have been better had the family given a thought to bring the paper on internet also. Perhaps, then they might have realised its reach.

Experiment of English newspaper, Under-estimating strength of Urdu press

One of the family members had brought out an English newspaper briefly. I hear that Asad sahab's son intends to bring out Nasheman again.

I hope he would bring out the Urdu paper on similar lines but in accordance with modern needs and with wider coverage [not just restricted to politics].

Urdu-wallas often under-estimate the power of Urdu press. They don't realise that starting and running an English newspaper is not easy, as this is a crowded market, where even pumping hundreds of millions won't yield result.

A new English daily doesn't sell easily because of established players. Even Reliance and other major groups that wanted to run national dailies had to shelve their plans. The benefit with running an Urdu paper is that even politicians give importance because they feel that their message would directly reach a large segment viz. the Muslims.

Even advertisements aren't difficult to get. Unfortunately, lack of confidence and poor marketing skills are the sole reason if any of the owners of existing Urdu papers aren't able to make good profit. Success of Roznama Sahara or even the political clout enjoyed by K Narendra [owner of Delhi-based Urdu newspaper Pratap] are just a few examples.

Will Rizwan Asad revive the newspaper?

There is definitely a void after Nasheman's closure. In the weekly newspaper segment, few papers like 'Nai Dunia, 'Chauthi Duniya' and 'Al-Jamiat' survive. The newspaper was a habit for thousands of readers across the country. Despite claims, papers that are once closed, rarely get back to print.

Though magazines like Biswin Sadi, have been revived, they have lost their original sheen. Let's hope he is able to launch the newspaper again and take forward the legacy of his father, who had established a mass circulated Urdu paper in South India.

Thursday, October 03, 2013

It's a welcome step that the BJP's prime ministerial candidate understands the importance of the language that gave slogans like Inquilab Zindabad, which stirred the nation during the freedom movement.

Though there are many Congress leaders on Twitter, I don't think anyone tweets in Urdu. Is it due to electoral conditions? May be, after all, its natural for politicians to do that. But if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) CM tweets in Urdu, he should also give attention to the plight of Urdu schools in his state.

Dozens of Urdu medium schools in Ahmedabad have closed down in the last five years alone. Forget, opening of new schools. The existing ones are being merged into other schools. For the Urdu medium students, that's a bad situation.

At many places, students who have completed high school, have no place for higher studies. The situation is no better in Surat. The situation in Vadodara is even worse. Permission is not being granted to open new schools or even upgrading of the existing schools.

Yes, we are told that everyone wants to move on and stop talking of 'past'. Surely, but can you kindly ensure that Muslim boys and girls could get education. These are students who don't go to madarsas but with closure of schools, they have less options. In Muslim dominated pockets, there aren't new government schools coming up.

I am not talking about the lack of funds to Urdu Sahitya Academy in Gujarat or for financial help for Urdu litterateurs. One hopes that just when Chief Minister [or his office] tweets in Urdu, they will also be sensitive towards the condition of Urdu medium schools in the state.

Saving the surviving Urdu schools and providing them the basic amenities will be a step in the right direction. It will also send a good message about development and forward looking approach. Won't it? Will someone reflect over it!

Link to Tanvir A Siddiqui's report about Urdu schools closing down in Ahmedabad. READ

Tuesday, October 01, 2013

The Brass Crescent Awards were instituted to identify and honour the best blogs on Islam and Muslims.

For nine years they have been honoring the best writings in Muslim blogosphere.

Now the awards are into the tenth year. Over the last decade, scores of interesting blogs were featured on their website.

Unique blogs, interesting posts, series of writings, humorous articles and non-Muslim writers' blogs on Islam, were nominated year after year. For so many years, sane, intelligent and different Muslim voices that were found on the internet, got exposure due to blogging.

Those interested in know the views of ordinary Muslims, found blogs It is often heard these days that blogging is no longer as popular as it was a few years back. Today, we have social networking sites--Facebook and Twitter, where opinions get instant 'likes' and hence satisfaction to the writer.

However, blogs continue to be written. They remain an important source of information. The good blogs get recognition. Every year, considerable interest is generated when the Brass Crescent website announces that nomination process for the year has begun.

There are categories like women bloggers, non-Muslim writers and so on. Then, the people start voting. On the basis of votes, the best blogs in each category is selected. Certainly, the awards have made a mark in Islamic blogosphere.

If you go through the names and URLs of winners [or nominated] blogs in the past, you may find the most interesting writers from different regions of the world. Not just Middle East or Indian sub-continent, but from Australia, Far East, Africa, Europe and of course, America.

The voting has begun for the awards. You may go to the Brass Crescent Awards' website and see the variety of blogs that have been nominated. Explore, read and vote for the ones, you like. The results of the poll will be out by mid-October.

Definitely, thanks are due to the individuals behind the Brass Crescent Awards. They have succeeded in completing a decade and yet they have managed to keep interest alive among innumerable bloggers and readers for this annual event.

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